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Stop scanning and repairing (G:): external drive?

Anonymous
2017-11-20T16:26:16+00:00

Hi,

When I shut my pc down yesterday I started the new fall update. On startup it continued, and after a while I noticed it had started the process of

Scanning and repairing drive (G:): 0% complete

Which is (I'm assuming) my external drive. It's been going on for 6 hours and is at 4% now.

I really don't trust that Windows won't do anything to those files, I have seen too many cases where the files became corrupted or were deleted. (and because there's always a problem with any update I've had up until now)

But, since I'm not a total wizard concerning this, I'd like to ask you for advice.

Should I leave it as it is, and if yes, for how long until it can be considered 'too long'?

Is it safe to turn my pc off, unplug the external drive and start it up again, or might that harm my files?

I'm just scared to either leave it be or do something about it because I'm not too sure about either option.

I hope you can help me out (or at least help me stress less about this)

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Windows update

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  1. Anonymous
    2017-11-25T11:23:37+00:00

    Hi Dave,

    I felt like it would be nice if I updated you on the end result. I've waited 5 days in total for it to be at 99%, and I sat in front of my pc for another hour or so to make sure I wouldn't miss anything. Well, I clearly didn't miss anything, because it went from 99% to 0%.

    I'm curious as to why that would happen, because it did feel like a waste of 5 days of some sort. Anyway, at that point I decided to take the shot of shutting my pc down and checking my files on my laptop. The files are fine, and so is my pc now it has completed its update.

    Do you have any clue why it went back to 0%? I'm just curious haha. I'm glad it's all fine but that made my jaw drop after 5 days.

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  2. DaveM121 871.8K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2017-11-20T18:10:12+00:00

    Amyls, your files will be fine, it is just going to take a while . . .

    I honestly think Microsoft should change it, so we have to confirm Check Disk before it starts, because if you don't see the "Press any key to skip . . ." prompt you can loose valuable time waiting for it to complete

    8 people found this answer helpful.
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  3. DaveM121 871.8K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2017-11-20T17:18:38+00:00

    On the screen you will be able to see which stage Check Disk is at, it should read something like - (Stage 1 of 5)

    Check disk will only delete files that are already corrupt and would be unreadable already . . .

    However, Check Disk if run in full mode can sometimes take a long time to complete, you might need the patience of Jobe . . .

    5 people found this answer helpful.
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  4. Anonymous
    2017-11-20T18:22:46+00:00

    Thank you once again for your reply, you've managed to make me feel less worried about it all :) Windows has tested my patience many times, this one will be added to the list haha.

    I think so too. I noticed on startup that the update was going to continue so I went away from my pc to make some breakfast, and next thing I know it's doing Check Disk. I'm glad I have my laptop as well so I could finish my assignment, but as you said, it's a waste of valuable time if you weren't expecting it.

    4 people found this answer helpful.
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  5. DaveM121 871.8K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2017-11-20T16:34:47+00:00

    Once Check Disk has started, it is not a good idea to stop it, if it is in the early stages:

    Turning off a PC during stage 1, 2 or 3 is almost certainly a guaranteed way to lose data

    However, turning off a PC during stage 4 and 5 has had no ill affects whatsoever on your data or system!

    4 people found this answer helpful.
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